About

Noel Havill – Owner - Havill PackPrint Developments

In 1976 I joined AHI Hygrade Packaging Company Auckland as a young man making folding carton samples. This was an excellent introduction to the industry as I was placed progressively in every department in the company learning skills of the trade. From pre-press and cutting forme making to offset printing, estimating and customer service.

From that time on I was hooked on the variety of work available, looking after customers from high volume food manufacturers to small hardware industries.

Eventually I hit the road as a salesman specialising in new business creation chasing up every opportunity I could. I soon found I really liked problem solving. I’d look for opportunities where I could research, redesign and improve a customer’s packaging experience.

I soon specialised in high volume packaging customers especially those needing project management of packaging system solutions. Being my first foray into project management I learned to manage budgets and timelines as well as customer expectations.

I moved from a folding carton focus to corrugated packaging specialising in flexo printing for the Meat and Wine industries. Again project management became a priority by being involved in automated carton erection and development of specialised packaging styles. Apart from industry knowledge I was also developing a life-long appreciation of fine wine and quality food to the permanent detriment of my waistline.

After 11 years in folding carton and corrugated packaging, I soon became eager to learn more about the general print industry. I moved into a sales position with a commercial printer specialising in high quality four colour offset printing as well as folding carton packaging. I enjoyed good success with this company soon negotiating my first million dollar order in 1987. I became very interested in providing one-stop solutions for my list of large corporates. I often organised and provided supplementary services outside the production capabilities of my employer. This activity boosted my sales revenue and with my employers approval I became an unofficial Print Broker & Consultant.

Having completed some management studies with the New Zealand Institute of Management I was asked to join a large broking company as Sales Manager and eventually started my own consultancy as a Packaging and Printing Consultant.

During the 7 years I ran this business I specialised in all aspects of packaging and printing including gravure printed labels, moulded plastics, web offset promotional communications and pad printed promotional items. I managed projects from concept to fulfilment including photography and creative direction, production and quality control, contract packaging and distribution. I even exported my own developed product to a large FMCG manufacturer located overseas.

I was very interested in the growing development of digital printing and digital colour pre-press. I became one of a group of directors for Xplor International. My involvement with this group allowed me to help organise and present seminars for Printing and Digital Printing Members throughout NZ. To this day I have a strong personal interest in technology and keep up to date with many new developments.

I undertook a redevelopment project that involved the assessment and refocus of an internal printing unit for the Wellington City Council (NZ). During the restructure of this internal service I identified potential value in managing all photocopiers and laser printers centrally and embarked on implementation of a smart card charge card system and single brand printer/copier tender that projected $300,000 in savings over the next three years. Overall I realised savings in excess of $550,000, mostly during the final 4 years of my time there.

On coming to Australia in 2000 to assist with the restructure of a digital printing supplier, I stayed on for various roles including contract management of an offset printing company and employment as Sales and Marketing manager of a small offset and digital company.

During the last 10 years I have managed Litho-Laminate packaging opportunities for many industries, more recently in the dairy industry plus point-of-sale displays and retail ready packaging for FMCG’s.

In 2008 I attended Drupa in Dusseldorf looking at new industry technologies, gleaning further knowledge in the large format and digital print media.